Consider giving back by donating to a local charity or volunteering your time to help those in need. You can also join in the festive spirit by attending community events or markets—it’s a wonderful way to celebrate and connect while making a difference.

Below find links for activities, where to shop locally, and some wonderful organizations to support.

Enjoy the holidays

Holiday activities and events abound in Pierce County. Consider these options:

• Ice Lights Holiday Ice Skating, Sprinker Recreation Center, Tacoma, Nov. 28, 2025-Jan. 3, 2026
• Zoo Lights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Nov. 28, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026
• Fantasy Lights in Spanaway, Nov. 28, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026
• Holiday Magic, Washington State Fair Events Center, Select Dates in Dec 5-23, 2025
• Holiday Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting, Lakewood Towne Center, Dec. 6
• Gig Harbor Tree Lighting, Dec. 6
• Lighted Boat Parade, Gig Harbor, Dec. 13 at 5 pm
• Jingle Bell Fun Run, Fort Steilacoom Park, Dec. 13
• Tacoma City Ballet presents The Nutcracker, Pantages Theater, Tacoma, Dec. 13-14, 19-21
• Tacoma Light Trail, Winter Festival of Light Art in Downtown Tacoma, Dec. 31, 2025-Jan. 11, 2026
• Snowshoeing at Mount Rainier, through winter
• Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings on Friday, December 19 at 7 pm, Temple Theater
• All Shall Be Well, A PLU Christmas Concert with the Choir of the West, University Chorale, and University Symphony Orchestra. December 5, 6, and 7 at PLU
• Tacoma Musical Playhouse The New Swing Reunion Orchestra on December 8 at 7:30 pm

Shop small and local

The holiday season is a great time to show some love to your local small businesses while you shop for gifts. Here are a few easy ways you can help out:

• Crafters Holiday Market, Meridian Habitat Park, South Hill Puyallup, Dec. 6
• Downtown Puyallup Holiday Christmas Market, Dec. 6
• Puyallup Night Market, Dec. 4 & 11
• Holidaze at Tacoma Armory (Black Night Market), Dec. 6
• Winter Solstice Celebration Night Market and Luminary Walk, Dec. 20, Frontier Park, Graham
• Urban Shopping Pop Up Market, University Place, Check this link to Facebook for the December dates.
• Pierce County Business Accelerator online directory. Shop local and support BIPOC, women and veteran-owned small businesses. The directory features more than 450 graduates.
• Shop Downtown Tacoma program. The online marketplace spotlights the city’s unique downtown shops, restaurants and destinations.
• Doing It Does It Black Resource Directory.   Support Black-owned businesses during the holidays and beyond.

Support local nonprofits

Impact the lives of other Pierce County residents with a donation of your time, resources or financial support.  Here are a few great ideas on where to start:

• Purchase a ceramic bowl made by local artist at Empty Bowls 2024, Dec. 6^th.  All proceeds go to Emergency Food Network.
• Organize a food drive. United Way of Pierce County’s Everything But the Turkey Food Drive runs through mid-December.  Donations benefit Emergency Food Network.
• Help Toys for Tots distribute the generous donations they’ve collected.

• Donate to the Humane Society for Tacoma-Pierce County, and make the most of your donation through employer matching.
• Start your own fundraiser as an individual or team to benefit the Salvation Army.
• Give to one of hundreds of specialized Greater Tacoma Community Foundation funds that support specific projects, organizations, scholarships or programs.